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On June 23rd, 2023, my husband Colin and I got married and had the wedding of our dreams! Just a few days later, we took off on our grand honeymoon adventure. From Greece all the way to the UK, we managed to squeeze in stops across eleven European countries in the span of six weeks.. That is, if you include our 35 hour layover in Lisbon.
The Greece portion of our honeymoon was an unforgettable experience, packed with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and tasty local cuisine. We started our adventure in Athens, a city steeped in ancient history and vibrant culture. From the iconic Acropolis to the bustling streets of Plaka, we soaked in every sight, sound and flavour.
Monastiraki Square, Athens, Greece.
Views from the Acropolis in Athens. Did you know, the word Acropolis means "highest point" in Greek?
Since Colin and I both follow a vegan diet, we spend a lot of time researching the best of local flavours, made with plant-based alternatives, so we never miss out, and often discover a ton of hidden gems! Veganism is much more common and even more accessible in Europe than Canada, so thankfully we never had to compromise our values.
These are Greek Koulouria, AKA, cheap sesame seed bagels (less than $1) we found in Monastiraki square.
Later, we discovered a nearby café called Holy Llama. The mock mozzarella/calabrese croissant sandwich I tried was indeed not Greek, but it was unbelievable and left me thinking about it for days. We also tried Vegan Beat and Veganaki, both of which we enjoyed!
Nestled in the heart of the city, our cozy Airbnb offered incredible views of both the Acropolis and Saint George Chapel. We paid only $80/night for the apartment with a wrap-around balcony, where we enjoyed an opera serenade from our new neighbour across the way. With a bottle of wine, we could have sat out there all night.
After exploring Athens, we made our way to Naxos Island and decided to rent a convertible hybrid Fiat so we could explore! From mountainous terrain to sandy beaches, the diverse landscapes provided endless photo opportunities and a perfect backdrop for our adventure. Although we visited a total of four islands, each unique in their own right, it was Naxos that truly captivated us! ✨
While visiting Naxos, we enjoyed the stunning beaches, wandered through adorable villages such as Halki, Filoti, Apollonas, and Apeiranthos, experienced the local culture, tasted authentic dishes, and uncovered hidden many treasures! The island's distinctive charm, history, and scenic beauty left a lasting impression and a longing to return!
Located in the stunning Chora, The Temple of Apollo is an absolute must-do at sunset! Although it can get crowded at this time of day, the views are totally worth it! This is also a great place for s sunset dip, so remember to pack your bathing suit.
Our stay at Infinity Abrams at was about 15km away from the Chora, a beautiful 20-minute drive along the coastline. It felt like our own little paradise on the beach, with the calming sound of waves reaching inside our room! Not only did we have a balcony that overlooked the sea, but below it, there was also a cute taverna where we had coffee every morning and a delicious dinner upon our arrival.
Loukoumades are made without any eggs or dairy. Although they are often topped with a chocolate sauce thats is not vegan, this dessert itself usually is!
Next, we visited Paros, which felt a bit more touristy/commercial compared to Naxos, but we had a lovely stay in a private Air BNB suite in the charming village called Lefkes. There were a handful of tavernas with vegetarian dishes and house wine, so we were as happy as can be! Not to mention all the local cats we befriended....
This Airbnb was small, but so cute and included a separate outdoor patio enclosed in grapevines.
The bus stop was nearby, making it easy to get to the Chora, or other places on the island like Naousa.
Conveniently, there was a bakery, cornerstone, and a few tavernas within walking distance as well.
Some tasty eats other than endless mushroom gyros we had . We discovered this place via Happy Cow called Mana Mana. There seemed to be options pretty much anywhere on Paros.
Our next stop was Sifnos, the smallest island on our list, making it easy to explore by public transit. We stayed in the small port village, which had a relaxed vibe and a number of tasty beachfront restaurants offering the perfect sunset views.
Located in the coastal village, Kastro, meaning castle, sits the Church of the Seven Martyrs. Unfortunately Colin suffered an injury from running and needed to take a day of rest, but I was determined to see it, so I took off on my own excursion for the day and even went for a swim when I finally got there.
Back in the Port Town, Colin managed to make it out for dinner! We found Agianemi upon our arrival, and were pleased to see so many vegetarian/vegan options! We arrived at sunset, which meant the restaurant was nearly empty since the locals wait until its dark out to eat.
Our final days in the Greek Islands were spent on the incredible Milos. Although we did not stay for as long as we would have liked, we made the most of it by visiting some of the island’s unique beaches and fisherman villages, including Sarakiniko and Tsigrado Beach, as well as Klima and Mandrakia. The dramatic landscapes and crystal-clear waters were the perfect end to our honeymoon adventure in Greece!
Sarakiniko beach felt like a whole other planet!
Swimming through caves at Tsigrado Beach,
Just picture your dream wedding taking place here right next to Klima, the most charming fisherman's village on one of Greece's most breathtaking islands. I would happily come back here and make all your wedding dreams come true! Check out the amazing views we discovered on this Island...
Before returning back to Athens, we had an amazing final night on the islands, soaking in the stunning sunset views at Utopia Cafe. Upon our return to Athens, we were fortunate to secure a table for two on the Plaka Stairs for dinner. This was a fantastic experience that we highly reccommend!
Next stop: Rome, Italy!
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